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have blades that can be resharpened, but that costs about $30 and the saw must be returned to Japan, so you'd be without it for three to four months. TH INNER BLADES CUT FASTER WITH LESS EFFO RT The number of strokes to make each cut was recorded, and the kerf width cut by each saw was measured with feeler gauges (above). The thickness of the sawkerfs ranged from 20 to 10 thousandths of an inch (right). The saws were tested for ease of use, speed, and smoothness For this test, I chose 15 saws. I selected crosscut dozukis with 18 to 30 tpi, intended for very fine cuts. I also chose some rip dozukis, which, like Western saws, have fewer teeth per inch. Two of the ripsaws had tooth patterns similar to those of Western saws, while a couple of others had a modified rip sharpened at 90° to the blade, but with secondary bevels (see "Choose wisely," p. 81). Unlike many Western-style saws, every dozuki arrived very sharp and ready to cut. I used each saw to cut a series of dovetails in %-in.-thick cherry, soft maple, and hard, bird's-eye maple to a depth of % in. To measure the speed of each saw, I counted the number of strokes needed to get to the final depth. I also noted how well the saw set in when starting the cut, especially when making the angled, tail cuts. The smoothness of the stroke, the ability to correct the cut, and the smoothness of the side walls were also observed. As a group, the saws set in well, and their sharpness was velY helpful when getting brass. The straight oval handle is wrapped with rattan. The number of teeth per inch (tpi) on the finer dozukis is usually in the 24 to 28 tpi range, compared to 15 to 20 tpi on the average Western dovetail saw. The dozuki crosscut teeth are long and thin, with a distinctive secondary bevel at the tip. The blade length is usually 9 in. to 10 in., but a couple of the saws I looked at have 7-in. blades. The final difference relates to sharpening and resharpening. Basically, a Western-style saw dulls a bit more quickly, but can be resharpened with specialized tools and some experience. On the other hand, mostJapanese saws arrive with razor-sharp, hardened teeth that stay sharp longer, and the blade simply is replaced when it dulls, usually at a cost of $20 to $30. My saws usually last as long as 10 years under frequent use in a professional shop. Higher-end saws 82 FINE WOODWORKING REPLACEABLE BLADES ELI MI NATE SHARPEN ING Most of the saws tested come with hardened teeth that cannot be sharpened. When they eventually become blunt, or if the blade is damaged, the blade is removed from the back and handle and replaced. Photos: Michael Pekovich